Sunday, November 13, 2011
Saturday, November 12, 2011
Medicines Of Peru: Maca
The increase in demand for the traditional herb of Maca in other countries has been on a huge rise. It has been cultivated in the Peruvian Andes by the indigenous people for thousands of years, with evidence of use as far back as 1600 BC.
Traditional uses include boosting of the immune system, balancing hormones in women, tuberculosis, sexual disorders and for boosting potency in men. It was used by both men and women for fertility. It was also used as a way to counteract exhaustion, both physical as well as mental.
In a similar situation to Ginseng, it has been used across the world for sexual dysfunction or enhancement but it is used for multiple other things. Memory, stamina and endurance is all enhanced with Maca and this is why it is so popular in Europe and the United States, alongside increasing sexual potency.
The plant grows only in high altitudes of approximately 3600 - 4200 meters in harsh conditions where other plants are unable to survive. The root has high nutritional in protein, carbohydrates, vitamins and minerals. Of the minerals, it is particularly high in iodine and iron.
Studies have also shown that the plant can help deal with the effects of aging on the mental and physical functioning of the body. It also helps the body to deal with the effects of stress.
Maca
Maca is another traditional herb that has undergone a huge increase in demand in other countries. It has been used by indigenous peoples in the Peruvian Andes for several thousands of years. There is evidence at one archaeological site of it being cultivated as far back as 1600 BC.
Traditional uses include boosting the immune system and balancing hormones in women. It was also used to treat tuberculosis and sexual disorders and for boosting potency in men. Women and men both use it for a fertility aid. It was taken as well as a way to counteract exhaustion, both physical and mental.
Although it was used traditionally for all these qualities, much like Ginseng, its primary use in other countries has been for sexual enhancement or dysfunction. In addition to using it for its effect on sexual potency, it is used in the United States and Europe for its ability to boost stamina, increase endurance and enhance the memory. Studies have also shown that the plant can help deal with the effects of aging on the mental and physical functioning of the body and to help the body to deal with the effects of stress.
The plant grows only in high altitudes of approximately 3600 - 4200 meters in harsh conditions where other plants are unable to survive. The root has high nutritional in protein, carbohydrates, vitamins and minerals. Of the minerals, it is particularly high in iodine and iron.
It was extremely valued in the Andes, particularly because there were so few things that could be cultivated at high altitude. For this reason, it was a product that was frequently traded. Another use of it was for treating animals. There are records showing that it was traded to the Spanish in great quantity because their livestock were doing so poorly at such a great height above sea level.
The powdered root comes in many different colors and each is believed to have different properties. The most commonly used are cream colored. Blue and black have been shown to boost energy and prostate size can be decreased with the red root.
Today, you can find Maca in many forms in the United States and Europe. It's also quite prevalent in Peru and in any tourist area you are sure to find Maca sold in powder or in an alcohol based decoction. As with any herbal supplement, the efficacy will depend on how it is processed.
Often added to foods like soups, shakes and baked goods, it is often exported in flour form. The effect is said to be best when it is ingested on a regular basis, a few tablespoons per day.
Machu Picchu luxury vacations are unique life experiences. When travelling to South America, make sure that you get the most from your vacation with a luxury travel agent.
Article Source:http://EzineArticles.com/?expert
Friday, November 11, 2011
Reflexology - Love the Moment
I enjoy finding something new each week to bring to you. I love talking about the practical, the technical, the philosophical, but what I love the most are the moments in reflexology that bring me closer to spirit. I'm sure you know what I mean - when you realize in the midst of your reflexology session, there's just a quiet calm. These are very special moments. It reminds me of when I was an artist - a painter. I still am, but I say, "I used to be an artist" because I haven't painted a picture for a while. I remember my favorite part of that creative process - the part I loved the most was when I became one with the moment. And... all strung together they became hours, making it seem like time both stopped and flew by. I'm sure that's what kept me painting for almost 25 years. I'm just as sure I'll return to it someday, but not because I miss those moments.
Let me explain... I don't think about feet much when I'm not working on them, but when I start to work on my client's feet - it occupies my full attention. I like to tell my students that there are really many layers to a reflexology session. Two of them are:
1) The techniques - and we've got the best!
2) The "attention" and "intention" that goes into the session.
When I start my session, I take a moment at the beginning and at the end to" intentionalize" what I want my client to gain from the session. I usually weave this into the first point I hold- the solar plexus reflex. Now, we reflexologists know that this is a very intense and powerful reflex point. In fact, I believe that if we could do nothing else, by holding this one point we could help the body in its natural balancing processes... IN A BIG WAY.
So while I'm there for those few seconds, or maybe up to a minute, I let my mind clear and I bring my focus to the table - ATTENTION. I let my intuition tell me what thoughts to add, if anything, and intend that the reflexology - and safe compassionate touch - is "for my clients highest good" - INTENTION. Sometimes, a little blessing or a mantra, an image or a sound will emerge and I add it all into the mix.
I'm one of those folks who believe that intention sets up the vibration, or the energy, for the whole session. It can affect us right down to the cellular level... So, I always want to start from (and, I suggest that you NEVER underestimate the power of) these positive and powerful places - attention and intention. From the solar plexus point on, the sequence of events that unfolds in a reflexology session are nothing short of miraculous.
Not because anything theatrical is going to happen, but because I will be a witness to the nuances and the changes, the textures and their shifts for the next hour of my life on this planet. I sometimes think that reflexology, as great a tool as it is, is simply a vehicle for us to be present, fully present... for my client... and, for myself. It is written into the "stone tablets" of reflexology. BE... PRESENT.
And, what happens when you're fully present? It feels to me like I can tap into the whisperings of the universe. Sometimes I wonder why this occurs - what's so special about these particular moments? Is it really just the feet? (It happens with the hands, the face and the ears too!) There's a level of "conversation" that goes beyond the verbal or even the spoken word. That conversation is a parlay between client and practitioner, indicating that there is support, a deep listening and peaceful rest available.
I find that most clients drink deep from this well. I think of it as "holding the space for their healing to occur" (or, to continue or, to complete itself...) This is sacred ground. As my clients sink deeper and deeper into the layers of relaxation, I sink deeper and deeper into the surface of the skin. My thumb and finger walking pressures don't change much, but in my "mind's eye", I imagine the layers of tissue that I'm above and making contact with. Sometimes, I even count the layers... skin, connective tissue, muscle, bone. As my thumb walks steadily across the surface, every reflex point becomes a world unto itself.
I'll give you an analogy... from an artist's perspective. It's as if I was walking in a great museum (I like the Guggenheim Museum in New York City), and each reflex point is like a painting. There's a slow and steady pace you keep in order to get through all the rooms. Some rooms are covered at a glance, each painting quickly acknowledged and appreciated. But, some rooms are taken at a much slower pace... and one or 2 paintings simply drawing you in. There are even places where you stop altogether and just pause... for a moment... or two... struck with awe and wonder at the depth of this point. Time is suspended. By being there, by paying attention to what's before me, I notice that the whole world is in front of me.
I think this quote sums up what I'm saying:
"Love the moment. Flowers grow out of dark moments. Therefore, each moment is vital. It effects the whole. Life is a succession of such moments and to live each, is to succeed." - Corita Kent
I'm sure I'll take up painting again, but for the moment, I'm in no hurry.
Common Constipation Remedies
In this article we are going to look at some fast, effective . Constipation is the name used to describe when we have a problem with our bowel functionality. It is the process where we can't go to the toilet, and it often leaves us in pain, irritated, stressed and bloated.
When you start to get constipation you'll often feel that you're alone and you will be very embarrassed of your situation, however it is best to understand that thousands of people suffer with constipation on a daily basis and it is the same form of embarrassment that stops sufferers talking openly about their problem. Due to this secrecy that comes with the problem many people often hold it inside and try to cope with their constipation until it naturally goes away, however this can seem like forever and your situation is probably going to get worse, leading to other diseases.
If you head down to the doctors they will offer you some form of medication to try and help relieve your constipation however this could not be the best solution. One thing you have to think about when looking for constipation remedies is whether you want to add some foreign, unknown substance to your body. We must take into account that with any medicine that the agents used may be rejected by our system.
Two of the main causes of constipation are often disregarded as it seems to hard to believe that something so simple can cause such a horrible outcome, this is our diet and exercise. The usual things we focus on in our diet are things such as carbohydrate intake, fat intake and protein intake for example, however it's rare we come across a diet that's rich in fiber and designed to help our digestive system. The facts are that fiber sole purpose within our system is to help our digestive systems work efficiently and as they are intended, and as soon as we start to starve it of this, we can start getting constipation. Exercise is also a big part of keeping a healthy system, not just in regards to our digestion but also the entire body. You will commonly see adverts or find people saying that we should exercise for at least a day, and if your doctor believes laziness is the cause of your constipation, he will also recommend this.
Constipation Remedies:
High Fiber Diet - Implementing a high fibre diet can be one of the best natural solutions for constipation, fiber can be sourced in some of our favorite everyday foods from cereal, pasta, rice, bread, nuts, fruits and vegetables. Implementing one of these consumables into each of your daily meals can really help relief that nasty constipation feeling.
Frequent Exercise - Much like any other muscle in our body, the muscles that are required for us to excrete need to be worked every now and again to stay in a healthy state. It is said that something as simple as a 15 minute walk daily can help relieve constipation noticeably within a week.
Laxatives - Earlier I recommended not using foreign substances, however if you are going to choose one it will more than likely be a type of laxative. Laxatives help the stool in many ways as there are various types available which can make them one of the best over the counter constipation remedies available. Be sure to know what you are taking and keep the dose at a minimum to ensure your body accepts the substance you are adding.
For those of you who are suffering from this health condition and are looking for more information to help eliminate this problem, you will want to take a look at, Remedies For Constipation.
Article Source:http://EzineArticles.com/?expert
Thursday, November 10, 2011
Effective And Easy Home Constipation Remedies
Constipation has the ability to make some of us feel completely terrible; the thought of struggling to excrete and the pain and bloating in can cause in our bellies unbearable and often we can find ourselves running straight to the chemist and buying a selection of the last constipation remedies we seen on a television advert. The facts are that not many of understand what constipation is or how simple we can cause it ourselves.
For most of us constipation will simply be "I can't go to the toilet" or "It's taking too long to go to toilet" and we neglect the fact to research realize that is caused because of the digestive system and our intestines not working as intended.
Constipation can be caused by many things and it's easy to miss the simple causes in everyday life such as not consuming enough fiber in our diets or just being too lazy and not exercising our bodies enough either way there are many natural solutions to help our system improve.
For most people the pharmacy will be the first place to hit, there are tonnes of constipation remedies advertised on the internet, television or in magazines and because they are marketed so well people really do use these as a first solution and tend to forget the fact they are adding a foreign substance to their body. In this case it can either have positive effects, negative effects or both; it is important to remember that whenever you add a foreign agent to your body there is always a chance it will reject, so surely it is better to try some natural, healthy remedies first?
As mentioned previously there are many natural causes of constipation - not enough fiber in the diet and lack of exercise two of the most noted, however these two especially can easily be our natural cure for constipation.
Not enough fiber can give us constipation and as you'd expect eating enough fiber reduces constipation. The amazing thing about fiber is that its sole purpose in the body is the aid the digestive system to ensure it is working properly. Fiber comes in many forms and these different forms help the stool in many ways; soluble fiber tends to take in more moisture wish as you'd expect means it can help lubricate the intestines more and make the stool softer allowing it to flow through the body and into the rectum with minimum effort. Insoluble fiber works by going into the intestines unchanged, this then helps bulk up the stool so there is a larger object to pass out of the body.
Exercise is known to help our bodies stay healthy in such a way that it makes us stronger and more durable. Much like any muscle in our body, if it is left relaxed and unused for a substantial period of time it can become weak and not function properly and the same can be said for the muscles and parts of our system required for excretion. Simple keeping a routine of walking for 15 minutes a day can decrease the risk of constipation heavily.
As you can see from the few points mentioned in this article there are some great natural ways which work as constipation remedies to stop you feeling the great discomfort that is caused by this horrible problem.
For more information about constipation, take a look at Constipation Remedies
Article Source:http://EzineArticles.com/?expert